Auto-applied label systems

ABSTRACT

Auto-applied packing list and upper label systems. A carrier material with an upper label and a lower label removeably adhered thereto is provided. The upper label and lower label are dispensed in sequence onto a label applicator apparatus. The label applicator apparatus applies the upper label and the lower label to a surface simultaneously, whereby after application the underside of the lower label is in contact with the surface and the undersurface of the upper label is in contact with the top side of the lower label.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.12/965,139, filed Dec. 10, 2010, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.application Ser. No. 12/951,232, filed Nov. 22, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No.8,142,596. The disclosure of each of these applications is incorporatedherein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Labels are commonly used to secure printed indicia to packages toindicate shipping or other information. In the instance of a shippinguse, a separate packing list may be enclosed within a package shipped tothe customer containing a purchased item.

There is significant demand for a labeling method that allows automaticprinting and application of a lower label and an upper label to asurface. For example, there is significant demand for a labeling methodthat allows automatic printing and application of a packing list andshipping label to the surface of a sealed carton. Because the carton issealed prior to packing list generation, it is not efficient to open itto insert a packing list. High volume shipping of such packages requiresrapid attachment of a packing list and a shipping label to the package.It is preferred to conceal the information of the packing list until thefinal recipient receives the shipped package.

Complicated methods have been implemented for application of a lowerlabel and an upper label to a surface. For example, where a packing listand shipping label are to be applied to the surface of a sealed carton,complicated methods have been implemented in which a packing list isapplied and adhered as a pattern adhesive label atop a carton, using afirst roll of labels (packing list labels) and a first label applicator.After the packing list label is applied, an address label is applied andadhered atop the packing list label, to conceal the packing listinformation, using a second roll of labels (address labels) and a secondlabel applicator. Such methods have many shortcomings. For example,precise timing between the packing list application and the shippinglabel application is required to properly align the two labels, and toavoid mismatches between the packing list and the shipping label (e.g.,where the packing list contains information about goods to be shipped toa first customer and the shipping label contains the address of adifferent customer. In addition, because two printers and two labelapplicators, along with related hardware and software, are required toapply a packing list and shipping label in sequence, such methodsrequire significant floor space and investment.

For the foregoing reasons, it is desired to provide labeling methodsthat allows automatic printing and application of a lower label and anupper label to a surface while avoiding the many shortcomings ofexisting labeling methods. For the foregoing reasons, it is desired toprovide labeling methods that allows automatic printing and applicationof a packing list label and shipping label to the surface of a sealedcarton while avoiding the many shortcomings of existing labelingmethods.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure includes disclosure of at least one system oflabels for automatic application to a surface. In at least oneembodiment, a label system according to the present disclosure comprisesa carrier material, an upper label, and a lower label. An upper label ofat least one such embodiment comprises a top surface and an opposingundersurface, the top surface and the undersurface having a leading edgeand a trailing edge, and the undersurface in contact with the carriermaterial. A lower label of at least one such embodiment comprises a topside and an opposing underside, the top side and the underside having aleading margin and a trailing margin, and the underside being in contactwith the carrier material. According to at least one such embodiment ofthe present disclosure, the upper label and the lower label are incontact with the carrier material in adjacent positions with thetrailing edge adjacent to the leading margin, and the upper label andthe lower label are configured for dispensing sequentially from thecarrier material onto a label applicator apparatus such that when theupper label and the lower label are dispensed onto the label applicatorapparatus the lower label is positioned against the undersurface of theupper label prior to attachment of the upper label and the lower labelto an article.

In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, anupper label comprises a removable segment and a lower label comprises aremovable region, and when the upper label and the lower label aredispensed onto a label applicator apparatus, the removable segment andthe removable region are in registration.

In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, anundersurface comprises a zone with reduced adhesive properties and anunderside comprises an area with reduced adhesive properties, and whenan upper label and a lower label are dispensed onto a label applicatorapparatus the zone with reduced adhesive properties and the area withreduced adhesive properties are in registration.

In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, thezone with reduced adhesive properties comprises an adhesive layercovered with an adhesive deadening agent.

In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, thearea with reduced adhesive properties comprises an adhesive layercovered with an adhesive deadening agent.

In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, anupper label comprises one or more holes therethrough, and when the upperlabel and a lower label are dispensed onto a label applicator apparatus,the lower label is held in position against the undersurface of theupper label by a vacuum force generated by the label applicatorapparatus, the vacuum force acting through the one or more holes.

In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, allof the underside comprises reduced adhesive properties.

In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, allof the underside comprises an adhesive layer covered with an adhesivedeadening agent.

In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, theundersurface comprises pressure sensitive adhesive that removeablyadheres the undersurface to the carrier material.

In at least one embodiment, a label system according to the presentdisclosure comprises a carrier material, an upper label, and a lowerlabel. An upper label of at least one such embodiment is removeablyadhered to the carrier material, and comprises a top surface, anundersurface, and a removable segment. An upper label of at least onesuch embodiment is bounded by a leading edge, a trailing edge, and firstand second side edges. The undersurface of an upper label of at leastone such embodiment comprises adhesive on at least a portion thereof andsuch an upper label is removeably adhered to the carrier material by theadhesive. A lower label of at least one such embodiment is removeablyadhered to the carrier material in a position on the carrier materialadjacent to the upper label and comprises a top side and an opposingunderside. A lower label of at least one such embodiment is bounded by aleading margin, a trailing margin, and a first and second side margins.According to at least one such embodiment of the present disclosure, theupper label and the lower label are configured for dispensingsequentially from the carrier material onto a label applicatorapparatus, such that when the upper label and the lower label aredispensed onto the label applicator apparatus the top surface ispositioned against the label applicator apparatus, the top side of lowerlabel is positioned against the undersurface of the upper label, and theunderside is exposed.

In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, thetop side of an upper label comprises a first surface area circumscribedby the leading margin, the trailing margin, and the first and secondside margins, and the top surface of a lower label comprises a secondsurface area circumscribed by the leading edge, the trailing edge, andthe first and second side edges, and the second surface area is notlarger than the first surface area.

In at least one embodiment, a label system according to the presentdisclosure comprises a carrier material, a removable upper label on thecarrier material, and a removable lower sheet on the carrier material ina position on the carrier material adjacent to the upper label. An upperlabel of at least one such embodiment comprises a top surface and anopposing undersurface, the undersurface facing the carrier material. Alower sheet of at least one such embodiment comprises a top side and anopposing underside, the underside facing the carrier material. Accordingto at least one such embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein theupper label and the lower sheet are configured for dispensingsequentially from the carrier material onto a label applicator apparatussuch that the top side of the lower sheet is positioned against theundersurface when the upper label and the lower sheet are dispensed ontothe label applicator apparatus.

In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, anupper label comprises a removable segment, and a lower sheet comprises aremovable region, and when the lower sheet is dispensed onto the labelapplicator apparatus, the removable segment and the removable region arein registration.

In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, theundersurface of an upper label comprises a zone with reduced adhesiveproperties, and the underside of a lower sheet comprises an area withreduced adhesive properties, and when the lower sheet is dispensed ontothe label applicator apparatus, the zone with reduced adhesiveproperties and the area with reduced adhesive properties are inregistration.

In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, thezone with reduced adhesive properties comprises an adhesive layercovered with an adhesive deadening agent.

In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, thearea with reduced adhesive properties comprises an adhesive layercovered with an adhesive deadening agent.

In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, anupper label comprises one or more holes therethrough, and a lower sheetis held in position against the undersurface of the upper label by thevacuum force generated by a label applicator apparatus, the vacuum forceacting through the one or more holes.

In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, alower sheet is held in position against the undersurface of the upperlabel by a vacuum force generated by a label applicator apparatus.

In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, allof the underside of a lower sheet comprises reduced adhesive properties.

In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, allof the underside of a lower sheet comprises an adhesive layer coveredwith an adhesive deadening agent.

In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, theundersurface of an upper label comprises adhesive, and when a lowersheet is dispensed onto the label applicator apparatus the adhesive onthe undersurface adhesively interacts with the top side of the lowersheet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of this disclosure, and the manner ofattaining them, will be more apparent and better understood by referenceto the following descriptions of the disclosed methods and systems,taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows an auto-applied upper and lower label system according toat least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 shows the underside of a lower label and the undersurface of anupper label according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 3A shows a cross-sectional view of an auto-applied upper and lowerlabel system according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 3B shows a cross-sectional view of an auto-applied upper and lowerlabel system according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIGS. 4A-B show side views of an auto-applied upper and lower labelsystem according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 shows the underside of a label applicator after an upper labeland a lower label according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure have been dispensed thereon.

FIG. 6 shows a side view of the application of an upper label and alower label according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure to a surface of a container.

FIG. 7 shows an upper label and a lower label according to at least oneembodiment of the present disclosure adhered to a surface of acontainer.

FIGS. 8A-B show an embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower labelsystem according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9A shows an auto-applied upper and lower label system according toat least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9B shows an auto-applied upper and lower label system according toat least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10A shows the underside of a lower label and the undersurface of anupper label according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 10B shows the underside of a lower label and the undersurface of anupper label according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 11A shows a cross-sectional view of an auto-applied upper and lowerlabel system according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 11B shows a cross-sectional view of an auto-applied upper and lowerlabel system according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIGS. 12A-B show side views of an auto-applied upper and lower labelsystem according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure,

FIG. 13 shows the underside of a label applicator after an upper labeland a lower label according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure have been dispensed thereon.

FIG. 14 shows a side view of the application of an upper label and alower label according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure to a surface of a container.

FIG. 15 shows an upper label and a lower label according to at least oneembodiment of the present disclosure adhered to a surface of acontainer,

FIGS. 16A-B show an auto-applied upper and lower label system accordingto at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 shows an auto-applied upper and lower label system according toat least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 18 shows the underside of a lower label and the undersurface of anupper label according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 19A shows a cross-sectional view of an auto-applied upper and lowerlabel system according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 19B shows a cross-sectional view of an auto-applied upper and lowerlabel system according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 20 shows an auto-applied upper and lower label system according toat least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 21 shows the underside of a lower label and the undersurface of anupper label according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 22A shows a cross-sectional view of an auto-applied upper and lowerlabel system according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 22B shows a cross-sectional view of an auto-applied upper and lowerlabel system according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 23 shows an auto-applied upper and lower label system according toat least one embodiment of the present disclosure,

FIG. 24 shows the underside of a lower label and the undersurface of anupper label according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 25A shows a cross-sectional view of an auto-applied upper and lowerlabel system according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure,

FIG. 25B shows a cross-sectional view of an auto-applied upper and lowerlabel system according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

DESCRIPTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of thepresent disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodimentsillustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used todescribe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitationof the scope of this disclosure is thereby intended,

FIG. 1 shows an auto-applied upper and lower label system 10 accordingto at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Shown in FIG. 1are auto-applied lower label 14 and auto-applied upper label 16. In atleast one embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label systemaccording to the present disclosure, a plurality of lower labels 14 andupper labels 16 reside alternately on carrier 12. In at least oneembodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label system 10 accordingto the present disclosure, each lower label 14 comprises a packing listlabel, and each upper label 16 comprises a shipping label.

According to at least one embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lowerlabel system according to the present disclosure, lower label 14 isbounded by leading edge 18, trailing edge 22, and side edges 20 and 24.One or more lines of weakness 36 define a boundary of removable region44. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure where lowerlabel 14 comprises a packing list label, removable region 44 comprises aremovable packing list. Frame 40 exists between a line of weakness 36and leading edge 18, trailing edge 22, and side edges 20 and 24.

According to at least one embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lowerlabel system according to the present disclosure, upper label 16 isbounded by leading edge 26, trailing edge 30, and side edges 28 and 32.One or more lines of weakness 38 define a boundary of removable segment46. Frame 42 lies between line of weakness 38 and leading edge 26,trailing edge 30, and side edges 28 and 32.

According to at least one embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lowerlabel system according to the present disclosure, the area of lowerlabel 14 bounded by leading edge 18, trailing edge 22, and side edges 20and 24 is greater than the area of upper label 16 bounded by leadingedge 26, trailing edge 30, and side edges 28 and 32. According to atleast one embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label systemaccording to the present disclosure, the area of removable region 44 isno larger than the area of removable segment 46.

According to at least one embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lowerlabel system according to the present disclosure, upper label 16 andlower label 14 are deployed adjacent to each other on carrier 12 andremoveably adhered to carrier 12, thereby enabling upper label 16 andlower label 14 to be dispensed from carrier 12 in sequence as discussedherein. Carrier 12 comprises, in at least one embodiment, releasecoating 15 on the surface of carrier 12 facing the undersides of lowerlabel 14 and upper label 16. In at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure, release coating 15 is a silicone release coating. Accordingto at least one embodiment of label system 10 according to the presentdisclosure, adhesive 13 is interposed between release coat 15 and theundersides of lower label 14 and upper label 16, as discussedhereinafter. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure,adhesive 13 is a pressure sensitive adhesive.

In at least one embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower labelsystem according to the present disclosure, carrier 12 comprisestransverse stripe 34. Transverse stripe 34 comprises a color or shadingof a region of carrier 12 that is different from the color of theremainder of carrier 12. In at least one embodiment, a transverse stripe34 is located after each upper label 16 and before the adjacent lowerlabel 14. In at least one embodiment, a transverse stripe 34 overlapsthe trailing edge 30 of each upper label 16 and the leading edge 18 ofeach lower label 14.

In at least one embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower labelsystem according to the present disclosure, one or more transversestripes 34 are used in conjunction with a detection apparatus forpurposes of synchronizing the dispensing of the upper label 16 and theadjacent lower label 14.

FIG. 2 shows the underside of lower label 14 and the undersurface ofupper label 16 according to at least one embodiment of an auto-appliedupper and lower label system according to the present disclosure, withcarrier 12 not visible for purposes of clarity. Shown in FIG. 2 isunderside 1014 of lower label 14, which is bounded by leading edge 18,trailing edge 22, and side edges 20 and 24. Also shown in FIG. 2 isundersurface 1016 of upper label 16, which is bounded by leading edge26, trailing edge 30, and side edges 28 and 32.

In at least one embodiment, underside 1014 of lower label 14 comprises afirst portion 1040 and a second portion 1044, separated by a line ofweakness 36. First portion 1040 comprise the underside of frame 40.Second portion 1044 comprises the underside of removable region 44. Inat least one embodiment, first portion 1040 comprises adhesive 13 on allor substantially all of its surface area. In at least one embodiment,second portion 1044 is free of or substantially free of adhesive. In atleast one embodiment, second portion 1044 comprises adhesive 13 on allor substantially all of its surface area, but an adhesive deadeningagent 17 such as, for example, a non-adhesive varnish, covers adhesive13 in those areas thereby rendering adhesive 13 ineffective in thoseareas. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, adhesivedeadening agent 17 is selected so as to not render adhesive 13completely ineffective in those areas treated by adhesive deadeningagent 17. In such an embodiment, after treatment of adhesive 13 withadhesive deadening agent 17, the treated areas retain a slighttackiness.

In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, undersurface 1016of upper label 16 comprises a first portion 1042 and a second portion1046, separated by a line of weakness 38. First portion 1042 comprisesthe undersurface of frame 42. Second portion 1046 comprises theundersurface of removable segment 46. In at least one embodiment, firstportion 1042 comprises adhesive 13 on all or substantially all of itssurface area. In at least one embodiment, second portion 1046 is free ofor substantially free of adhesive. In at least one embodiment, secondportion 1046 comprises adhesive 13 on all or substantially all of itssurface area, but an adhesive deadening agent 17 thereby such as, forexample, a non-adhesive varnish, covers adhesive 13 in those areasrendering adhesive 13 ineffective in those areas. In at least oneembodiment of the present disclosure, adhesive deadening agent 17 isselected so as to not render adhesive 13 completely ineffective in thoseareas treated by adhesive deadening agent 17. In such an embodiment,after treatment of adhesive 13 with adhesive deadening agent 17, thetreated areas retain a slight tackiness.

FIG. 3A shows a cross-sectional view of an auto-applied upper and lowerlabel system according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure taken on line III-III of FIG. 1. The auto-applied upper andlower label system is shown in FIG. 3A in a semi-exploded state forpurposes of clarity. Shown in FIG. 3A are carrier 12, adhesive 13, lowerlabel 14 comprising leading edge 18 and trailing edge 22, releasecoating 15, and upper label 16 comprising leading edge 26 and trailingedge 30. As shown in this embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lowerlabel system according to the present disclosure, second portion 1044and second portion 1046 are free of adhesive 13.

FIG. 3B shows a cross-sectional view of an auto-applied upper and lowerlabel system according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure taken on line III-III of FIG. 1. The auto-applied upper andlower label system is shown in FIG. 3B in a semi-exploded state forpurposes of clarity. Shown in FIG. 3B are carrier 12, adhesive 13, lowerlabel 14 comprising leading edge 18 and trailing edge 22, releasecoating 15, upper label 16 comprising leading edge 26 and trailing edge30, and adhesive deadening agent 17. As shown in this embodiment of anauto-applied upper and lower label system according to the presentdisclosure, second portion 1044 comprises adhesive 13 on all orsubstantially all of its surface area, but adhesive deadening agent 17such as, for example, a non-adhesive varnish, covers adhesive 13 inthose areas. Second portion 1046 also comprises adhesive 13 on all orsubstantially all of its surface area, but adhesive deadening agent 17such as, for example, a non-adhesive varnish, covers adhesive 13 inthose areas.

FIGS. 4A-B show side views of an auto-applied upper and lower labelsystem according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosurewhile in use. As shown in FIG. 4A, carrier 12 with upper label 16 andlower label 14 thereon is advanced in direction 508. Carrier 12 isrouted around member 502, causing upper label 16 to be dispensed fromcarrier 12 beginning with leading edge 26. At least a portion ofundersurface 1016 of upper label 16 comprises adhesive 13 after it isdispensed from carrier 12. As upper label 16 is dispensed from carrier12, upper label 16 passes under label applicator 500. Force 504generated by label applicator 500 causes upper label 16 to be lifted andheld against screen 506. Screen 506 forms a lower surface of labelapplicator 500. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure,force 504 is a vacuum force. In at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure, force 504 is an electrostatic force.

Turning now to FIG. 4B, after upper label 16 is dispensed from carrier12, carrier 12 with lower label 14 thereon is advanced in direction 508.Carrier 12 is routed around member 502, causing lower label 14 to bedispensed from carrier 12 beginning with leading edge 18. At least aportion of underside 1014 of lower label 14 comprises adhesive 13 afterit is dispensed from carrier 12. As lower label 14 is dispensed fromcarrier 12, lower label 14 passes under label applicator 500. Force 504generated by label applicator 500 causes lower label 14 to be lifted andheld against, and in registration with, upper label 16. Because in suchan embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label system accordingto the present disclosure the area of lower label 14 is greater than thearea of upper label 16, force 504 acts on the edges of lower label 14 tohold lower label 14 against screen 506. Undersurface 1016 begins to beadhered to lower label 14 by adhesive 13.

In at least one embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower labelsystem according to the present disclosure, prior to the time upperlabel 16 is dispensed from carrier 12, indicia is printed on or appliedto upper label 16. In an embodiment of applied upper and lower labelsystem according to the present disclosure where upper label 16 is ashipping label, indicia, such as, for example, destination addressand/or other relevant shipping indicia, may be printed on or applied toupper label 16.

In at least one embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower labelsystem according to the present disclosure, prior to the time lowerlabel 14 is dispensed from carrier 12, indicia is printed on or appliedto lower label 14. In an embodiment of applied upper and lower labelsystem according to the present disclosure where lower label 14 is apacking list label, indicia, such as, for example, container contentsand/or other packing list indicia, may be printed on or applied to lowerlabel 14.

In at least one embodiment, label applicator 500 comprises a printingcapability such as, for example, a thermal transfer printer or a directthermal printer. In such an embodiment, indicia may be applied to upperlabel 16 and/or lower label 14 by label applicator 500.

FIG. 5 shows the underside of label applicator 500 after upper label 16and lower label 14 have been dispensed thereon, according to at leastone embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label system accordingto the present disclosure. Visible in FIG. 5 is screen 506. As shown inFIG. 5, underside 1014 of lower label 14 is visible. From the point ofview shown in FIG. 5, lower label 14 fully obscures upper label 16,although upper label 16 is in registration with lower label 14, betweenlower label 14 and screen 506. Adhesive 13 is present in an effectiveamount in first portion 1040. Second portion 1044 comprises no more thanvery limited adhesive properties.

FIG. 6 shows a side view of the application of upper label 16 and lowerlabel 14 to surface 601 of container 600, according to at least oneembodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 6, labelapplicator 500 moves in direction 602, thereby moving upper label 16 andlower label 14 in direction 604 until the underside 1014 of lower label14 is in contact with surface 601 of container 600. The pressure oflabel applicator 500 against surface 601 of container 600 causesadhesive 13 to adhere the underside 1014 of lower label 14 to surface601 of container 600, and completes the adhesion of undersurface 1016 tolower label 14.

FIG. 7 shows lower label 14 and upper label 16 adhered to surface 601 ofcontainer 600, according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure. As shown in FIG. 7, lower label 14 and upper label 16 are inregistration. A line of weakness 38 is visible on upper label 16.

FIGS. 8A-B show an embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower labelsystem according to the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 8A,removable segment 46 of upper label 16 is partially removed from upperlabel 16 along a line of weakness 38. Removing segment 46 in thisfashion reveals removable region 44 of lower label 14. In an embodimentof applied upper and lower label system according to the presentdisclosure where lower label 14 is a packing list label, removableregion 44 may comprise a removable packing list. Because in such anembodiment of the present disclosure underside 1046 has no more thanvery limited adhesive properties, removable region 44 is not damaged ordefaced by removing segment 46. As segment 46 is removed, frame 42 ofupper label 16 remains adhered to lower label 14.

As shown in FIG. 8B, removable segment 46 of upper label 16 is fullyremoved from upper label 16 along a line of weakness 38. Removableregion 44 may be removed from lower label 14 along a line of weakness36. In an embodiment of applied upper and lower label system accordingto the present disclosure where lower label 14 is a packing list label,removable region 44 may comprise a removable packing list. Because insuch an embodiment of the present disclosure underside 1044 has no morethan very limited adhesive properties, removable region 44 is readilyremovable from surface 601 of container 600. After removable region 44is removed, frame 42 of upper label 16 remains adhered to frame 40 oflower label 14, and frame 40 of lower label 14 remains adhered tosurface 601 of container 600,

FIGS. 9A-B shows auto-applied upper and lower label system 100 accordingto at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Shown in FIGS.9A-B are auto-applied lower label 114 and auto-applied upper label 116.In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, lower label 114and upper label 116 reside adjacent to each other on carrier 112. In atleast one embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label systemaccording to the present disclosure, a plurality of lower labels 114 andupper labels 116 reside alternately on carrier 112. In at least oneembodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label system 100 accordingto the present disclosure, each lower label 114 comprises a packing listlabel, and each upper label 116 comprises a shipping label.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, lowerlabel 114 comprises leading edge 118, trailing edge 122, side edges 120and 124, side tabs 131 and 133, trailing tab 135, and removable region144. In an embodiment of auto-applied upper and lower label system 100according to the present disclosure such as is shown in FIG. 9A, atrailing edge of side tabs 131 and 133 is substantially even withtrailing edge 122. In an embodiment of auto-applied upper and lowerlabel system 100 according to the present disclosure such as is shown inFIG. 9B, a trailing edge of side tabs 131 and 133 is not even withtrailing edge 122. One or more lines of weakness 136 and 137 define aboundary between removable region 144 and side tabs 131 and 133,respectively. One or more lines of line of weakness 139 define aboundary between removable region 144 and trailing tab 135. In at leastone embodiment of the present disclosure, removable region 144 comprisesa removable packing list.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, upperlabel 116 is bounded by leading edge 126, trailing edge 130, and sideedges 128 and 132. One or more lines of weakness 138 define a boundaryof removable segment 146. Frame 142 lies between a line of weakness 138and leading edge 126, trailing edge 130, and side edges 128 and 132.According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, upperlabel 116 comprises one or more holes 147. Holes 147 a, 147 b, 147 c,147 d, 147 e, 147 f, 147 g, and 147 h are shown in the embodiment oflabel system 100 of FIGS. 9A-B. Other embodiments of label system 100may have a greater number or lesser number of holes. According to atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure, holes 147 extend throughsegment 146 and carrier 112. In at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure, holes 147 extend only through segment 146.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, prior touse upper label 116 and lower label 114 are deployed adjacent to eachother on carrier 112, thereby enabling upper label 116 and lower label114 to be dispensed from carrier 112 in sequence as discussed herein.Carrier 112 comprises, in at least one embodiment, release coating 115on the surface of carrier 112 facing the undersides of lower label 114and upper label 116. In at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure, release coating 115 is a silicone release coating. Accordingto at least one embodiment of label system 100 according to the presentdisclosure, adhesive 113 is interposed between release coat 115 and theundersides of lower label 114 and upper label 116, as discussedhereinafter. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure,adhesive 113 is a pressure sensitive adhesive.

In at least one embodiment, carrier 112 comprises transverse stripe 134.Transverse stripe 134 comprises a color or shading of a region ofcarrier 112 that is in contrast with the color of the remainder ofcarrier 112. In at least one embodiment, a transverse stripe 134 islocated after each upper label 116 and before the adjacent lower label114. In at least one embodiment, a transverse stripe 134 is locatedafter each lower label 114 and before the adjacent upper label 116. Inat least one embodiment, a transverse stripe 134 overlaps the trailingedge 130 of each upper label 116 and the leading edge 118 of each lowerlabel 114.

In at least one embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower labelsystem according to the present disclosure, one or more transversestripes 134 are used in conjunction with a detection apparatus forpurposes of synchronizing the dispensing of the upper label 116 and theadjacent lower label 114.

FIGS. 10A-B shows the underside of lower label 114 and the undersurfaceof upper label 116 according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure, with carrier 112 not visible for purposes of clarity. Shownin FIGS. 10A-B is underside 1114 of lower label 114, comprising leadingedge 118, trailing edge 122, side edges 120 and 124, side tabs 131 and133, trailing tab 135, and removable region underside 1144. In anembodiment of auto-applied upper and lower label system 100 according tothe present disclosure such as is shown in FIG. 10A, a trailing edge ofside tabs 131 and 133 is substantially even with trailing edge 122. Inan embodiment of auto-applied upper and lower label system 100 accordingto the present disclosure such as is shown in FIG. 10B, a trailing edgeof side tabs 131 and 133 is not even with trailing edge 122. Also shownin FIGS. 10A-B is undersurface 1116 of upper label 116, which is boundedby leading edge 126, trailing edge 130, and side edges 128 and 132.

In at least one embodiment, underside 1114 of lower label 114 issubstantially free of adhesive. In at least one embodiment, underside1114 of lower label 114 comprises adhesive 113 on all or substantiallyall of its surface area, but underside 1114 comprises an adhesivedeadening agent 117 such as, for example, a non-adhesive varnish, coversadhesive 113 in those areas thereby rendering adhesive 113 ineffectivein those areas. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure,adhesive deadening agent 117 is selected so as to not render adhesive113 completely ineffective in those areas treated by adhesive deadeningagent 117. In such an embodiment, after treatment of adhesive 113 withadhesive deadening agent 117, the treated areas retain a slighttackiness. In at least one embodiment, all of underside 1114 is free ofor substantially free of adhesive properties, although in such anembodiment underside 1114 may retain a slight tackiness. In at least onealternate embodiment, at least a portion of the underside of trailingtab 135 may comprise adhesive 113 on all or substantially all of itssurface area. In such an embodiment, adhesive 113 serves to removeablyadhere lower label 114 to carrier 112 until lower label 114 isdispensed.

In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, undersurface 1116of upper label 116 comprises a first portion 1142 and a second portion1146, separated by a line of weakness 138. First portion 1142 comprisesthe undersurface of frame 142. Second portion 1146 comprises theundersurface of removable segment 146. In at least one embodiment, firstportion 1142 comprises adhesive 113 on all or substantially all of itssurface area. In at least one embodiment, second portion 1146 is free ofor substantially free of adhesive. In at least one embodiment, secondportion 1146 comprises adhesive 113 on all or substantially all of itssurface area, but an adhesive deadening agent 117 such as, for example,a non-adhesive varnish, covers adhesive 113 in those areas therebyrendering adhesive 113 ineffective in those areas. In at least oneembodiment of the present disclosure, adhesive deadening agent 117 isselected so as to not render adhesive 113 completely ineffective inthose areas treated by adhesive deadening agent 117. In such anembodiment, after treatment of adhesive 113 with adhesive deadeningagent 117, the treated areas retain a slight tackiness.

FIG. 11A shows a cross-sectional view of an auto-applied upper and lowerlabel system according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure taken on line XI-XI of FIG. 9A or FIG. 9B. The auto-appliedupper and lower label system is shown in FIG. 11A in a semi-explodedstate for purposes of clarity. Shown in FIG. 11A are carrier 112,adhesive 113, lower label 114 including leading edge 118 and trailingtab 135, release coating 115, upper label 116 including leading edge 126and trailing edge 130, hole 147 a, and hole 147 h. As shown in thisembodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according tothe present disclosure, underside 1144 and second portion 1146 are freeof adhesive 113.

FIG. 11B shows a cross-sectional view of an auto-applied upper and lowerlabel system according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure taken on line XI-XI of FIG. 9A or FIG. 9B. The auto-appliedupper and lower label system is shown in FIG. 11B in a semi-explodedstate for purposes of clarity. Shown in FIG. 11B are carrier 112,adhesive 113, lower label 114 including leading edge 118 and trailingtab 135, release coating 115, upper label 116 including leading edge 126and trailing edge 130, adhesive deadening agent 117, hole 147 a, andhole 147 h. In at least one other embodiment of the present disclosure,underside 1144 comprises adhesive 113 on all or substantially all of itssurface area, but adhesive deadening agent 117 such as, for example, anon-adhesive varnish, covers adhesive 113 in those areas. Second portion1146 also comprises adhesive 113 on all or substantially all of itssurface area, but adhesive deadening agent 117 such as, for example, anon-adhesive varnish, covers adhesive 113 in those areas.

FIGS. 12A-B show a side view of an auto-applied upper and lower labelsystem according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosurewhile in use. As shown in FIG. 12A, carrier 112 with upper label 116 andlower label 114 thereon is advanced in direction 508. Carrier 112 isrouted around member 502, causing upper label 116 to be dispensed fromcarrier 112 beginning with leading edge 126. At least a portion ofundersurface 1116 of upper label 116 comprises adhesive 113 after it isdispensed from carrier 112. As upper label 116 is dispensed from carrier112, upper label 116 passes under label applicator 500. Force 504generated by label applicator 500 causes upper label 116 to be liftedand held against screen 506. Screen 506 forms a lower surface of labelapplicator 500.

Turning now to FIG. 12B, after upper label 116 is dispensed from carrier112, carrier 112 with lower label 114 thereon is advanced in direction508. Carrier 112 is routed around member 502, causing lower label 114 tobe dispensed from carrier 112 beginning with leading edge 118. As lowerlabel 114 is dispensed from carrier 112, lower label 114 passes underlabel applicator 500. Force 504 generated by label applicator 500 causeslower label 114 to be lifted and held against, and in registration with,upper label 116. In such an embodiment, lower label 114 is not incontact with screen 506. Because in at least one such embodiment of anauto-applied upper and lower label system according to the presentdisclosure upper label 116 comprises one or more holes 147, even thoughthe area of lower label 114 is less than the area of upper label 116, ifforce 504 is a vacuum force, force 504 acts through holes 147 in upperlabel 116 to hold lower label 114 against, and in registration with,upper label 116. Undersurface 1116 begins to be adhered to lower label114 by adhesive 113.

In at least one embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower labelsystem according to the present disclosure, prior to the time upperlabel 116 is dispensed from carrier 112, indicia is printed on orapplied to upper label 116. In an embodiment of applied upper and lowerlabel system according to the present disclosure where upper label 116is a shipping label, indicia, such as, for example, destination addressand/or other relevant shipping indicia, may be printed on or applied toupper label 116.

In at least one embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower labelsystem according to the present disclosure, prior to the time lowerlabel 114 is dispensed from carrier 112, indicia is printed on orapplied to lower label 114. In an embodiment of applied upper and lowerlabel system according to the present disclosure where lower label 114is a packing list label, indicia, such as, for example, containercontents and/or other packing list indicia, may be printed on or appliedto lower label 114.

In at least one embodiment, label applicator 500 comprises a printingcapability such as, for example, a thermal transfer printer or a directthermal printer. In such an embodiment, indicia may be applied to upperlabel 116 and/or lower label 114 by label applicator 500.

FIG. 13 shows the underside of label applicator 500 after upper label116 and lower label 114 have been dispensed thereon, according to atleast one embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label systemaccording to the present disclosure. Visible in FIG. 13 is screen 506.Shown in FIG. 13 are undersurface 1116 comprising first portion 1142 andsecond portion 1146 separated by a line of weakness 138. First portion1142 comprises effective amount of adhesive 113 on its surface area.Also shown in FIG. 13 is underside 1114 of lower label 114, comprisingside tabs 131 and 133, trailing tab 135, lines of weakness 136, 137, and139, and removable region underside 1144. As shown in FIG. 13, in atleast one embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label systemaccording to the present disclosure only tabs 131, 133, and 135 comeinto contact with adhesive 113 on first portion 1142. Accordingly, insuch an embodiment lower label 114 is adhered to undersurface 1116 onlyat tabs 131, 133, and 135.

FIG. 14 shows a side view of the application of upper label 116 andlower label 114 to a surface 601 of container 600, according to at leastone embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 14, labelapplicator 500 moves in direction 602, thereby moving upper label 116and lower label 114 in direction 604 until the underside of lower label114 is in contact with surface 601 of container 600. The pressure oflabel applicator 500 against surface 601 of container 600 causesadhesive 113 to adhere the undersurface 1116 of upper label 116 tosurface 601 of container 600, and completes the adhesion of undersurface1116 to lower label 114.

FIG. 15 shows lower label 114 and upper label 116 adhered to a surfaceof container 600. Shown in FIG. 15 is upper label 116 comprising a lineof weakness 138 and removable segment 146. Lower label 114 comprisingremovable region 144 is concealed under upper label 116, with removableregion 144 in registration with removable segment 146.

FIGS. 16A-B show an embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower labelsystem according to the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 16A,removable segment 146 of upper label 116 is partially removed from upperlabel 116 along a line of weakness 138. Removing segment 146 in thisfashion reveals removable region 144. In an embodiment of applied upperand lower label system according to the present disclosure where lowerlabel 114 is a packing list label, removable region 144 may comprise aremovable packing list. Because in such an embodiment of the presentdisclosure underside 1146 has no more than very limited adhesiveproperties, removable region 144 is not damaged or defaced by removingsegment 146. As segment 146 is removed, frame 142 of upper label 116remains adhered to lower label 114 at tabs 131, 133, and 135 and also tosurface 601.

As shown in FIG. 16B, removable region 144 may be removed from lowerlabel 114 along lines of weakness 136, 137, and 139. In an embodiment ofapplied upper and lower label system according to the present disclosurewhere lower label 114 is a packing list label, removable region 144 maycomprise a removable packing list. Because in such an embodiment of thepresent disclosure underside 1144 has no more than very limited adhesiveproperties, removable region 144 is readily removable from surface 601of container 600. After removable region 144 is removed, frame 142 ofupper label 116 remains adhered to surface 601 of container 600, andtabs 131, 133, and 135 are retained under frame 142.

FIG. 17 shows auto-applied upper and lower label system 101 according toat least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Shown in FIG. 17 areauto-applied lower label 114 and auto-applied upper label 116. In atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure, lower label 114 andupper label 116 reside adjacent to each other on carrier 112. In atleast one embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label systemaccording to the present disclosure, a plurality of lower labels 114 andupper labels 116 reside alternately on carrier 112. In at least oneembodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label system 101 accordingto the present disclosure, each upper label 116 comprises a shippinglabel, and each lower label 114 comprises a return label.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, lowerlabel 114 comprises leading edge 118, trailing edge 122, side edges 120and 124, side tabs 131 and 133, and trailing tab 135. In an embodimentof auto-applied upper and lower label system 101 according to thepresent disclosure, a trailing edge of side tabs 131 and 133 may besubstantially even with trailing edge 122.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, upperlabel 116 is bounded by leading edge 126, trailing edge 130, and sideedges 128 and 132. One or more lines of weakness 138 define a boundaryof removable segment 146. Frame 142 lies between a line of weakness 138and leading edge 126, trailing edge 130, and side edges 128 and 132.According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, upperlabel 116 comprises one or more holes 147. Holes 147 a-147 h are shownin the embodiment of label system 101 of FIG. 17. Other embodiments oflabel system 101 may have a greater number or lesser number of holes.According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, holes147 extend through segment 146 and carrier 112. In at least oneembodiment of the present disclosure, holes 147 extend only throughsegment 146.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, prior touse upper label 116 and lower label 114 are deployed adjacent to eachother on carrier 112, thereby enabling upper label 116 and lower label114 to be dispensed from carrier 112 in sequence as discussed herein.Carrier 112 comprises, in at least one embodiment, release coating 115on the surface of carrier 112 facing the underside of lower label 114and undersurface of upper label 116. In at least one embodiment of thepresent disclosure, release coating 115 is a silicone release coating.According to at least one embodiment of label system 101 according tothe present disclosure, adhesive 113 is interposed between release coat115 and the underside of lower label 114 and undersurface of upper label116, as discussed hereinafter. In at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure, adhesive 113 is a pressure sensitive adhesive.

In at least one embodiment, carrier 112 comprises transverse stripe 134.Transverse stripe 134 comprises a color or shading of a region ofcarrier 112 that is in contrast with the color of the remainder ofcarrier 112. In at least one embodiment, a transverse stripe 134 islocated after each upper label 116 and before the adjacent lower label114. In at least one embodiment, a transverse stripe 134 is locatedafter each lower label 114 and before the adjacent upper label 116. Inat least one embodiment, a transverse stripe 134 overlaps the trailingedge 130 of each upper label 116 and the leading edge 118 of each lowerlabel 114.

In at least one embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower labelsystem according to the present disclosure, one or more transversestripes 134 are used in conjunction with a detection apparatus forpurposes of synchronizing the dispensing of the upper label 116 and theadjacent lower label 114.

FIG. 18 shows the underside of lower label 114 and the undersurface ofupper label 116 according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure, with carrier 112 not visible for purposes of clarity. Shownin FIG. 18 is underside 1114 of lower label 114, comprising leading edge118, trailing edge 122, side edges 120 and 124, side tabs 131 and 133,and trailing tab 135. In an embodiment of auto-applied upper and lowerlabel system 101 according to the present disclosure, a trailing edge ofside tabs 131 and 133 may be substantially even with trailing edge 122.Also shown in FIG. 18 is undersurface 1116 of upper label 116, which isbounded by leading edge 126, trailing edge 130, and side edges 128 and132.

In at least one embodiment, underside 1114 of lower label 114 comprisesadhesive 113 on at least a portion of its surface area. In at least oneembodiment, underside 1114 of lower label 114 comprises adhesive 113 onall or substantially all of its surface area. In at least one embodimentof the present disclosure, undersurface 1116 of upper label 116comprises a first portion 1142 and a second portion 1146, separated by aline of weakness 138. First portion 1142 comprises the undersurface offrame 142. Second portion 1146 comprises the undersurface of removablesegment 146. In at least one embodiment, first portion 1142 comprisesadhesive 113 on all or substantially all of its surface area. In atleast one embodiment, second portion 1146 is free of or substantiallyfree of adhesive. In at least one embodiment, second portion 1146comprises adhesive 113 on all or substantially all of its surface area,but an adhesive deadening agent 117 such as, for example, a non-adhesivevarnish, covers adhesive 113 in those areas thereby rendering adhesive113 ineffective in those areas. In at least one embodiment of thepresent disclosure, adhesive deadening agent 117 is selected so as tonot render adhesive 113 completely ineffective in those areas treated byadhesive deadening agent 117. In such an embodiment, after treatment ofadhesive 113 with adhesive deadening agent 117, the treated areas retaina slight tackiness.

FIG. 19A shows a cross-sectional view of an auto-applied upper and lowerlabel system according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure taken on line XIX-XIX of FIG. 17. The auto-applied upper andlower label system is shown in FIG. 19A in a semi-exploded state forpurposes of clarity. Shown in FIG. 19A are carrier 112, adhesive 113,lower label 114 including leading edge 118 and trailing tab 135, releasecoating 115, upper label 116 including leading edge 126 and trailingedge 130, hole 147 a, and hole 147 h. As shown in this embodiment of anauto-applied upper and lower label system according to the presentdisclosure, second portion 1146 is free of adhesive 113 and underside1144 comprises adhesive 113 on all or substantially all of its surfacearea.

FIG. 19B shows a cross-sectional view of an auto-applied upper and lowerlabel system according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure taken on line XIX-XIX of FIG. 17. The auto-applied upper andlower label system is shown in FIG. 19B in a semi-exploded state forpurposes of clarity. Shown in FIG. 19B are carrier 112, adhesive 113,lower label 114 including leading edge 118 and trailing tab 135, releasecoating 115, upper label 116 including leading edge 126 and trailingedge 130, adhesive deadening agent 117, hole 147 a, and hole 147 h. Inat least one other embodiment of the present disclosure, underside 1144comprises adhesive 113 on all or substantially all of its surface area.Second portion 1146 also comprises adhesive 113 on all or substantiallyall of its surface area, but adhesive deadening agent 117 such as, forexample, a non-adhesive varnish, covers adhesive 113 in that area.

Auto-applied upper and lower label system 101 according to at least oneembodiment of the present disclosure may be automatically applied to asurface through the use of apparatuses and processes substantiallysimilar to the apparatuses and processes shown and described in FIGS.12A-15 and this written description. Auto-applied upper and lower labelsystem 101 according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure may be used in a manner substantially similar to manner shownand described in FIGS. 16A-16B and this written description, providedthat because underside 1114 of lower label 114 of auto-applied upper andlower label system 101 according to at least one embodiment of thepresent disclosure comprises adhesive 113 on all or substantially all ofits surface area, lower label 114 of auto-applied upper and lower labelsystem 101 is not readily removable from the surface to which it isapplied. According to at least one embodiment of auto-applied upper andlower label system 101 according to the present disclosure, upper label116 comprises shipping address indicia and lower label 114 comprisesreturn shipping address indicia. According to such an embodiment, if acontainer comprising upper label 116 and lower label 114 is to bereturned to its source, upon receipt the recipient may remove upperlabel 116 to reveal return shipping address indicia on lower label 114.The container then may be shipped back to its source.

FIG. 20 shows auto-applied upper and lower label system 102 according toat least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Shown in FIG. 20 areauto-applied lower label 114 and auto-applied upper label 116. In atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure, lower label 114 andupper label 116 reside adjacent to each other on carrier 112. In atleast one embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label systemaccording to the present disclosure, a plurality of lower labels 114 andupper labels 116 reside alternately on carrier 112. In at least oneembodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label system 102 accordingto the present disclosure, each lower label 114 comprises a packing listlabel, and each upper label 116 comprises a shipping label.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, lowerlabel 114 comprises leading edge 118, trailing edge 122, side edges 120and 124, and trailing tab 135. According to at least one embodiment ofthe present disclosure, upper label 116 is bounded by leading edge 126,trailing edge 130, and side edges 128 and 132. One or more lines ofweakness 138 define a boundary of removable segment 146. Frame 142 liesbetween a line of weakness 138 and leading edge 126, trailing edge 130,and side edges 128 and 132. According to at least one embodiment of thepresent disclosure, upper label 116 comprises one or more holes 147.Holes 147 a-147 i are shown in the embodiment of label system 102 ofFIG. 20. Other embodiments of label system 102 may have a greater numberor lesser number of holes. According to at least one embodiment of thepresent disclosure, holes 147 extend through segment 146 and carrier112. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, holes 147extend only through segment 146.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, prior touse upper label 116 and lower label 114 are deployed adjacent to eachother on carrier 112, thereby enabling upper label 116 and lower label114 to be dispensed from carrier 112 in sequence as discussed herein.Carrier 112 comprises, in at least one embodiment, release coating 115on the surface of carrier 112 facing the underside of lower label 114and undersurface of upper label 116. In at least one embodiment of thepresent disclosure, release coating 115 is a silicone release coating.According to at least one embodiment of label system 102 according tothe present disclosure, adhesive 113 is interposed between release coat115 and the underside of lower label 114 and undersurface of upper label116, as discussed hereinafter. In at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure, adhesive 113 is a pressure sensitive adhesive.

In at least one embodiment, carrier 112 comprises transverse stripe 134.Transverse stripe 134 comprises a color or shading of a region ofcarrier 112 that is in contrast with the color of the remainder ofcarrier 112. In at least one embodiment, a transverse stripe 134 islocated after each upper label 116 and before the adjacent lower label114. In at least one embodiment, a transverse stripe 134 is locatedafter each lower label 114 and before the adjacent upper label 116. Inat least one embodiment, a transverse stripe 134 overlaps the trailingedge 130 of each upper label 116 and the leading edge 118 of each lowerlabel 114.

In at least one embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower labelsystem according to the present disclosure, one or more transversestripes 134 are used in conjunction with a detection apparatus forpurposes of synchronizing the dispensing of the upper label 116 and theadjacent lower label 114.

FIG. 21 shows the underside of lower label 114 and the undersurface ofupper label 116 according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure, with carrier 112 not visible for purposes of clarity. Shownin FIG. 21 is underside 1114 of lower label 114, comprising leading edge118, trailing edge 122, side edges 120 and 124, and trailing tab 135.Also shown in FIG. 21 is undersurface 1116 of upper label 116, which isbounded by leading edge 126, trailing edge 130, and side edges 128 and132.

In at least one embodiment, underside 1114 of lower label 114 is free ofor substantially free of adhesive. In at least one embodiment, underside1114 comprises adhesive 113 on all or substantially all of its surfacearea, but an adhesive deadening agent 117 such as, for example, anon-adhesive varnish, covers adhesive 113 in those areas therebyrendering adhesive 113 ineffective in those areas. In at least oneembodiment of the present disclosure, adhesive deadening agent 117 isselected so as to not render adhesive 113 completely ineffective inthose areas treated by adhesive deadening agent 117. In such anembodiment, after treatment of adhesive 113 with adhesive deadeningagent 117, the treated areas retain a slight tackiness.

In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, undersurface 1116of upper label 116 comprises a first portion 1142, a second portion1146, and a third portion 1147. First portion 1142 and third portion1147 comprise the undersurface of frame 142. Second portion 1146comprises the undersurface of removable segment 146. In at least oneembodiment of the present disclosure, first portion 1142 and secondportion 1146 are separated by a line of weakness 138.

In at least one embodiment, first portion 1142 comprises adhesive 113 onall or substantially all of its surface area. In at least oneembodiment, second portion 1146 and third portion 1147 are free of orsubstantially free of adhesive. In at least one embodiment, secondportion 1146 and third portion 1147 comprise adhesive 113 on all orsubstantially all of their surface area, but an adhesive deadening agent117 such as, for example, a non-adhesive varnish, covers adhesive 113 inthose areas thereby rendering adhesive 113 ineffective in those areas.In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, adhesive deadeningagent 117 is selected so as to not render adhesive 113 completelyineffective in those areas treated by adhesive deadening agent 117. Insuch an embodiment, after treatment of adhesive 113 with adhesivedeadening agent 117, the treated areas retain a slight tackiness,

FIG. 22A shows a cross-sectional view of an auto-applied upper and lowerlabel system according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure taken on line XXII-XXII of FIG. 20. The auto-applied upperand lower label system is shown in FIG. 22A in a semi-exploded state forpurposes of clarity. Shown in FIG. 22A are carrier 112, adhesive 113,lower label 114 including leading edge 118 and trailing tab 135, releasecoating 115, upper label 116 including leading edge 126 and trailingedge 130, hole 147 a, hole 147 h, hole 147 i, and hole 147 j. As shownin this embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label systemaccording to the present disclosure, second portion 1146 is free ofadhesive 113 and underside 1144 is free of adhesive 113.

FIG. 22B shows a cross-sectional view of an auto-applied upper and lowerlabel system according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure taken on line XXII-XXII of FIG. 20. The auto-applied upperand lower label system is shown in FIG. 22B in a semi-exploded state forpurposes of clarity. Shown in FIG. 22B are carrier 112, adhesive 113,lower label 114 including leading edge 118 and trailing tab 135, releasecoating 115, upper label 116 including leading edge 126 and trailingedge 130, adhesive deadening agent 117, hole 147 a, hole 147 h, hole 147i, and hole 147 j. In at least one other embodiment of the presentdisclosure, underside 1144 comprises adhesive 113 on all orsubstantially all of its surface area, but adhesive deadening agent 117such as, for example, a non-adhesive varnish, covers adhesive 113 inthat area. Second portion 1146 also comprises adhesive 113 on all orsubstantially all of its surface area, but adhesive deadening agent 117such as, for example, a non-adhesive varnish, covers adhesive 113 inthat area.

Auto-applied upper and lower label system 102 according to at least oneembodiment of the present disclosure may be automatically applied to asurface through the use of apparatuses and processes substantiallysimilar to the apparatuses and processes shown and described in FIGS.12A-15 and this written description. Auto-applied upper and lower labelsystem 102 according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure may be used in a manner substantially similar to manner shownand described in FIGS. 16A-16B and this written description, providedthat because third portion 1147 is either free of adhesive 113 orcovered with an adhesive deadening agent 117, when lower label 114 isremoved from the surface to which upper and lower label system 102 hasbeen applied, all of lower label 114 including trailing tab 135 isremoved from such surface.

FIG. 23 shows auto-applied upper and lower label system 103 according toat least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Shown in FIG. 23 areauto-applied lower label 114 and auto-applied upper label 116. In atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure, lower label 114 andupper label 116 reside adjacent to each other on carrier 112. In atleast one embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label systemaccording to the present disclosure, a plurality of lower labels 114 andupper labels 116 reside alternately on carrier 112. In at least oneembodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label system 103 accordingto the present disclosure, each upper label 116 comprises a shippinglabel, and each lower label 114 comprises a packing list label.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, lowerlabel 114 comprises leading edge 118, trailing edge 122, side edges 120and 124, side tabs 131 and 133, trailing tab 135, and removable region144. One or more lines of weakness 136 and 137 define a boundary betweenremovable region 144 and side tabs 131 and 133, respectively. In atleast one such embodiment, trailing edge 122 comprises a plurality oftrailing tabs 141. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure,removable region 144 comprises a removable packing list.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, upperlabel 116 is bounded by leading edge 126, trailing edge 130, and sideedges 128 and 132. One or more lines of weakness 138 define a boundaryof removable segment 146. Frame 142 lies between a line of weakness 138and leading edge 126, trailing edge 130, and side edges 128 and 132.According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, upperlabel 116 comprises one or more holes 147. Holes 147 a-147 h are shownin the embodiment of label system 103 of FIG. 23. Other embodiments oflabel system 103 may have a greater number or lesser number of holes.According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, holes147 extend through segment 146 and carrier 112. In at least oneembodiment of the present disclosure, holes 147 extend only throughsegment 146.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, prior touse upper label 116 and lower label 114 are deployed adjacent to eachother on carrier 112, thereby enabling upper label 116 and lower label114 to be dispensed from carrier 112 in sequence as discussed herein.Carrier 112 comprises, in at least one embodiment, release coating 115on the surface of carrier 112 facing the underside of lower label 114and undersurface of upper label 116. In at least one embodiment of thepresent disclosure, release coating 115 is a silicone release coating.According to at least one embodiment of label system 103 according tothe present disclosure, adhesive 113 is interposed between release coat115 and the underside of lower label 114 and undersurface of upper label116, as discussed hereinafter. In at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure, adhesive 113 is a pressure sensitive adhesive.

In at least one embodiment, carrier 112 comprises transverse stripe 134.Transverse stripe 134 comprises a color or shading of a region ofcarrier 112 that is in contrast with the color of the remainder ofcarrier 112. In at least one embodiment, a transverse stripe 134 islocated after each upper label 116 and before the adjacent lower label114. In at least one embodiment, a transverse stripe 134 is locatedafter each lower label 114 and before the adjacent upper label 116. Inat least one embodiment, a transverse stripe 134 overlaps the trailingedge 130 of each upper label 116 and the leading edge 118 of each lowerlabel 114.

In at least one embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower labelsystem according to the present disclosure, one or more transversestripes 134 are used in conjunction with a detection apparatus forpurposes of synchronizing the dispensing of the upper label 116 and theadjacent lower label 114.

FIG. 24 shows the underside of lower label 114 and the undersurface ofupper label 116 according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure, with carrier 112 not visible for purposes of clarity. Shownin FIG. 24 is underside 1114 of lower label 114, comprising leading edge118, trailing edge 122, side edges 120 and 124, side tabs 131 and 133,trailing tabs 141, and removable region underside 1144. In at least oneembodiment, the underside of at least one of trailing tabs 141 comprisessegment 1141. According to such an embodiment, each segment 1141comprises adhesive 113 on all or substantially all of its surface area.In such an embodiment, each segment 1141 comprising adhesive 113 servesto removeably adhere packing list label 114 to carrier 112 until packinglist label 114 is dispensed. According to such an embodiment, the restof underside 1114 of packing list label 114 is substantially free ofadhesive. In at least one embodiment, underside 1114 of packing listlabel 114 comprises adhesive 113 on all or substantially all of itssurface area, but the portions of underside 1114 other than segments1141 comprise an adhesive deadening agent 117 such as, for example, anon-adhesive varnish, covers adhesive 113 in those areas therebyrendering adhesive 113 ineffective in those areas. In at least oneembodiment of the present disclosure, adhesive deadening agent 117 isselected so as to not render adhesive 113 completely ineffective inthose areas treated by adhesive deadening agent 117. In such anembodiment, after treatment of adhesive 113 with adhesive deadeningagent 117, the treated areas retain a slight tackiness. In at least oneembodiment, all of underside 1114 is free of or substantially free ofadhesive properties, although in such an embodiment underside 1114 mayretain a slight tackiness.

Also shown in FIG. 24 is undersurface 1116 of upper label 116, which isbounded by leading edge 126, trailing edge 130, and side edges 128 and132. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, undersurface1116 of upper label 116 comprises a first portion 1142 and a secondportion 1146, separated by a line of weakness 138. First portion 1142comprises the undersurface of frame 142. Second portion 1146 comprisesthe undersurface of removable segment 146. In at least one embodiment,first portion 1142 comprises adhesive 113 on all or substantially all ofits surface area. In at least one embodiment, second portion 1146 isfree of or substantially free of adhesive. In at least one embodiment,second portion 1146 comprises adhesive 113 on all or substantially allof its surface area, but an adhesive deadening agent 117 such as, forexample, a non-adhesive varnish, covers adhesive 113 in those areasthereby rendering adhesive 113 ineffective in those areas. In at leastone embodiment of the present disclosure, adhesive deadening agent 117is selected so as to not render adhesive 113 completely ineffective inthose areas treated by adhesive deadening agent 117. In such anembodiment, after treatment of adhesive 113 with adhesive deadeningagent 117, the treated areas retain a slight tackiness.

FIG. 25A shows a cross-sectional view of an auto-applied upper and lowerlabel system according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure taken on line XXV-XXV of FIG. 25. The auto-applied upper andlower label system is shown in FIG. 25A in a semi-exploded state forpurposes of clarity. Shown in FIG. 25A are carrier 112, adhesive 113,lower label 114 including leading edge 118, a trailing tab 141 and asegment 1141, release coating 115, upper label 116 including leadingedge 126 and trailing edge 130. As shown in this embodiment of anauto-applied upper and lower label system according to the presentdisclosure, second portion 1146 is free of adhesive 113 and underside1144 is free of adhesive 113.

FIG. 25B shows a cross-sectional view of an auto-applied upper and lowerlabel system according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure taken on line XXV-XXV of FIG. 23. The auto-applied upper andlower label system is shown in FIG. 25B in a semi-exploded state forpurposes of clarity. Shown in FIG. 25B are carrier 112, adhesive 113,lower label 114 including leading edge 118, a trailing tab 141 and asegment 1141, release coating 115, upper label 116 including leadingedge 126 and trailing edge 130, and adhesive deadening agent 117. In atleast one other embodiment of the present disclosure, underside 1144comprises adhesive 113 on all or substantially all of its surface area,but adhesive deadening agent 117 such as, for example, a non-adhesivevarnish, covers adhesive 113 in that area. Second portion 1146 alsocomprises adhesive 113 on all or substantially all of its surface area,but adhesive deadening agent 117 such as, for example, a non-adhesivevarnish, covers adhesive 113 in that area.

Auto-applied upper and lower label system 103 according to at least oneembodiment of the present disclosure may be automatically applied to asurface through the use of apparatuses and processes substantiallysimilar to the apparatuses and processes shown and described in FIGS.12A-15 and this written description. Auto-applied upper and lower labelsystem 102 according to at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure may be used in a manner substantially similar to manner shownand described in FIGS. 16A-16B and this written description, providedthat when removable region 144 is removed the surface to which it isapplied, removable region 144 is separated from lower label 114 alonglines of weakness 136 and 137, and by tearing trailing tabs 141.

While this disclosure has been described as having preferred designs,the apparatus and methods according to the present disclosure can befurther modified within the scope and spirit of this disclosure. Thisapplication is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, oradaptations of the disclosure using its general principles. For example,any method disclosed herein and in the appended claims represent onepossible sequence of performing the steps thereof. A practitioner maydetermine in a particular implementation that a plurality of steps ofone or more of the disclosed methods may be combinable, or that adifferent sequence of steps may be employed to accomplish the sameresults. Each such implementation falls within the scope of the presentdisclosure as disclosed herein and in the appended claims. Furthermore,this application is intended to cover such departures from the presentdisclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art towhich this disclosure pertains.

We claim:
 1. A method of applying a lower label and an upper label to asurface, the method comprising the steps of: providing a carriermaterial, said carrier material comprising an upper label thereon and alower label thereon in a position on said carrier material adjacent tosaid upper label, said lower label comprising a top side and an opposingunderside, said underside facing said carrier material, said upper labelcomprising a top surface and an opposing undersurface, said undersurfacefacing said carrier material; dispensing said upper label onto a labelapplicator apparatus, whereby said top surface of said upper label isheld in position against said label applicator apparatus and saidundersurface is exposed; and while said upper label is held in positionagainst said label applicator apparatus, dispensing said lower labelonto said label applicator apparatus, whereby said top side of saidlower label is held in position against said undersurface of said upperlabel.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said upper label comprises aremovable segment, and wherein said lower label comprises a removableregion, and wherein after said lower label is dispensed onto said labelapplicator apparatus, said removable segment and said removable regionare in registration.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein said undersurfacecomprises a zone with reduced adhesive properties, and wherein saidunderside comprises an area with reduced adhesive properties, andwherein after said lower label is dispensed onto said label applicatorapparatus, said zone with reduced adhesive properties and said area withreduced adhesive properties are in registration.
 4. The method of claim3, wherein said zone with reduced adhesive properties comprises anadhesive layer covered with an adhesive deadening agent.
 5. The methodof claim 3, wherein said area with reduced adhesive properties comprisesan adhesive layer covered with an adhesive deadening agent.
 6. Themethod of claim 1, wherein said upper label is held in position againstsaid label applicator apparatus by a vacuum force generated by saidlabel applicator apparatus.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein said upperlabel comprises one or more holes therethrough, and wherein said lowerlabel is held in position against said undersurface of said upper labelby said vacuum force generated by said label applicator apparatus, saidvacuum force acting through said one or more holes.
 8. The method ofclaim 1, wherein said lower label is held in position against saidundersurface of said upper label by a vacuum force generated by saidlabel applicator apparatus.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein all ofsaid underside comprises reduced adhesive properties.
 10. The method ofclaim 1, wherein all of said underside comprises an adhesive layercovered with an adhesive deadening agent.
 11. The method of claim 1,wherein said undersurface comprises pressure sensitive adhesive thatremoveably adheres said undersurface to said carrier material.
 12. Amethod of applying a lower label and an upper label to a surface, themethod comprising the steps of: providing a carrier material, saidcarrier material comprising an upper label removeably adhered theretoand a lower label removeably adhered thereto in a position on saidcarrier adjacent to said upper label, said upper label comprising a topsurface, an undersurface, a removable segment, said upper label beingbounded by a leading edge, a trailing edge, and first and second sideedges, said undersurface comprising adhesive on at least a portionthereof, said undersurface removeably adhered to said carrier materialby said adhesive, said lower label comprising a top side and an opposingunderside, said lower label being bounded by a leading margin, atrailing margin, and first and second side margins; dispensing saidupper label onto a label applicator apparatus, whereby said top surfaceof said upper label is held in position against said label applicatorapparatus and said undersurface is exposed; advancing said lower labeltoward said label applicator apparatus; and while said upper label isheld in position against said label applicator apparatus, dispensingsaid lower label onto said label applicator apparatus, whereby said topside of said lower label is held in position against said undersurfaceof said upper label, and whereby said adhesive on said undersurface ofsaid upper label adhesively interacts with said top side of said lowerlabel.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein said lower label furthercomprises a removable region, and wherein after said lower label isdispensed onto said label applicator apparatus, said removable segmentand said removable region are in registration.
 14. The method of claim12, wherein said undersurface comprises a zone with reduced adhesiveproperties, and wherein said underside comprises an area with reducedadhesive properties, and wherein after said lower label is dispensedonto said label applicator apparatus, said zone with reduced adhesiveproperties and said area with reduced adhesive properties are inregistration.
 15. The method of claim 12, wherein all of said undersidecomprises reduced adhesive properties.
 16. The method of claim 12,wherein all of said underside comprises an adhesive layer covered withan adhesive deadening agent.
 17. The method of claim 12, wherein saidupper label is held in position against said label applicator apparatusby a vacuum force generated by said label applicator apparatus.
 18. Themethod of claim 17, wherein said upper label comprises one or more holestherethrough, and wherein said lower label is held in position againstsaid undersurface of said upper label by said vacuum force generated bysaid label applicator apparatus, said vacuum force acting through saidone or more holes.
 19. The method of claim 12, wherein said lower labelis held in position against said undersurface of said upper label by avacuum force generated by said label applicator apparatus.
 20. A methodof applying a lower label and an upper label to a container, the methodcomprising the steps of: providing a carrier material, said carriermaterial comprising an upper label removeably adhered thereto and alower label removeably adhered thereto in a position on said carrieradjacent to said upper label, said carrier material comprising a releasecoating on a surface thereof, said lower label comprising a top side andan opposing underside, said top side and said underside being bounded bya leading margin, a trailing margin, and first and second side margins,said top side comprising a first surface area being bounded by saidleading margin, said trailing margin, and said first and second sidemargins, said underside comprising adhesive on at least a portionthereof, said underside removeably adhered to said release coating bysaid adhesive, said upper label comprising a top surface, anundersurface, and a removable segment, said top surface and saidundersurface being bounded by a leading edge, a trailing edge, and firstand second side edges, said top surface comprising a second surface areacircumscribed by said leading edge, said trailing edge, and said firstand second side edges, said second surface area being no larger thansaid first surface area, said undersurface comprising adhesive on atleast a portion thereof, said undersurface removeably adhered to saidrelease coating by said adhesive; dispensing said upper label onto alabel applicator apparatus, whereby said top surface of said upper labelis held in position against said label applicator apparatus and saidundersurface is exposed; advancing said lower label toward said labelapplicator apparatus; and while said upper label is held in positionagainst said label applicator apparatus, dispensing said lower labelonto said label applicator apparatus, whereby said top side of saidlower label is held in position against said undersurface of said upperlabel.
 21. The method of claim 20, wherein said lower label furthercomprises a removable region, and wherein after said lower label isdispensed onto said label applicator apparatus, said removable segmentand said removable region are in registration.
 22. The method of claim20, wherein said undersurface comprises a zone with reduced adhesiveproperties, and wherein said underside comprises an area with reducedadhesive properties, and wherein after said lower label is dispensedonto said label applicator apparatus, said zone with reduced adhesiveproperties and said area with reduced adhesive properties are inregistration.
 23. The method of claim 20, wherein said upper label isheld in position against said label applicator apparatus by a vacuumforce generated by said label applicator apparatus.
 24. The method ofclaim 23, wherein said lower label is held in position against saidundersurface of said upper label by said vacuum force generated by saidlabel applicator apparatus.
 25. The method of claim 20, wherein saidlower label is held in position against said undersurface of said upperlabel by a vacuum force generated by said label applicator apparatus.26. The method of claim 20, wherein after said lower label is dispensedonto said label applicator apparatus, said leading edge, said trailingedge, and said first and second side edges are not outside of saidleading margin, said trailing margin, and said first and second sidemargins, respectively.
 27. The method of claim 20, wherein after saidlower label is dispensed onto said label applicator apparatus, saidleading edge, said first side edge, and said second side edge areinboard of said leading margin, said first side margin, and said secondside margin, respectively.
 28. A method of applying a lower sheet and anupper label to a surface, the method comprising the steps of: providinga carrier material, said carrier material comprising a removable upperlabel thereon and a removable lower sheet thereon in a position on saidcarrier material adjacent to said upper label, said lower sheetcomprising a top side and an opposing underside, said underside facingsaid carrier material, said upper label comprising a top surface and anopposing undersurface, said undersurface facing said carrier material;dispensing said upper label onto a label applicator apparatus, wherebysaid top surface of said upper label is held in position against saidlabel applicator apparatus and said undersurface is exposed; and whilesaid upper label is held in position against said label applicatorapparatus, dispensing said lower sheet onto said label applicatorapparatus, whereby said top side of said lower sheet is held in positionagainst said undersurface of said upper label.
 29. The method of claim28, wherein said upper label comprises a removable segment, and whereinsaid lower sheet comprises a removable region, and wherein after saidlower sheet is dispensed onto said label applicator apparatus, saidremovable segment and said removable region are in registration.
 30. Themethod of claim 28, wherein said undersurface comprises a zone withreduced adhesive properties, and wherein said underside comprises anarea with reduced adhesive properties, and wherein after said lowersheet is dispensed onto said label applicator apparatus, said zone withreduced adhesive properties and said area with reduced adhesiveproperties are in registration.
 31. The method of claim 30, wherein saidzone with reduced adhesive properties comprises an adhesive layercovered with an adhesive deadening agent.
 32. The method of claim 30,wherein said area with reduced adhesive properties comprises an adhesivelayer covered with an adhesive deadening agent.
 33. The method of claim28, wherein said upper label is held in position against said labelapplicator apparatus by a vacuum force generated by said labelapplicator apparatus.
 34. The method of claim 30, wherein said upperlabel comprises one or more holes therethrough, and wherein said lowersheet is held in position against said undersurface of said upper labelby said vacuum force generated by said label applicator apparatus, saidvacuum force acting through said one or more holes.
 35. The method ofclaim 28, wherein said lower sheet is held in position against saidundersurface of said upper label by a vacuum force generated by saidlabel applicator apparatus.
 36. The method of claim 28, wherein all ofsaid underside comprises reduced adhesive properties.
 37. The method ofclaim 28, wherein all of said underside comprises an adhesive layercovered with an adhesive deadening agent.
 38. The method of claim 28,wherein after said lower sheet is dispensed onto said label applicatorapparatus, said adhesive on said undersurface of said upper labeladhesively interacts with said top side of said lower sheet.